The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-19
Correspondence.
LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA.


PASADENA CAL, MARCH 2, 1887.
To the Editor of the U,siyersaIist:
AS the time approaches for my depart
ure from this lovely garden of the West
am impelled to say word concerning
the planting of our flag of universal sal
vaton, on the "Pacifc Slope" and espe-
cially in this wonderfully growing city.
On my arrival here on Oct. II, 1886,
I found our only place of public worship
a hall at 8 o'clock in the afternoon-an
hour as unpropitious as could well be
chosen. Every church goer had been to
church, and just had dinner and wanted
to rest for second church service again
at night. Every one else wanted to rest,
or read. or take an evening walk or ride.
Curiosity had drawn together about
forty persons. To them we opened our
mission as best we could. The brethren
headed by Br. A. G. Throop, of Los An
geles, had purchased parcel of ground
on Fair Oaks avenue, not far from the
business center of the city, Br. Throop
advancing the amount for the first pay
ment until the money could be returned
from the parish, or made out of the sale
of part Of grounds purchased. The par
Gel was subdivided into three lots; one of
which has been sold for about $4,000
and the other yet for sale is valued at
$1,000. The corner is left for the church,
80 by 100 feet.
In November we purchased church
building, and had the use of it at
o'clock in the afternoon until January
when it was moved upon the lot. It has
since been repaired, reprinted and pa
pered. Last Sunday we worshiped in it
for the first time in. real comfort, since
the repairs were completed. The day
was propitious, and an audience of sixty
two were present of intelligent, thinking
men and women. They we're present to
listen, ponder and decide for themselves
il the things spoken were true, and not
whether they were in harmony with an
cient creeds, or church authorities.
There is, therefore, established, as we
think, solid foundation for hourishing
parish and church, where a pure gospel
shall be preached, and liberal Christian
ity shall spring up and spread its
branches far and wide over this valley
All that is needed is faith in the right
"patient continuance in we'll doing" and
bearing some of the reproach which ever
comes from being connected with an
unpopular minority, however true its
principles.
II this letter meets the eye of any Uni
yersalist who is coming to the Pacific
slope, and who desires church privileges
at once, he will find them upon moder-
ate scale here at the beginning; and he
will have such privileges in the midst of
one of the most thriving cities in the West.
Business of all kinds is thriving. Hotels
and boarding houses are only limited by
their capacity; and remunerative prices
are asked and given without any dissatis-
factiono n the part Of the patrons.
Ishall return to Wilton Junction, Ia.,
the last of this month; and this parish
will need pastor None but good
efficient man need apply. But one who
is in fellowship with the Universalist
Convention, who would have the hearty
recommendation of our General Secreta-
ry, would be welcomed and find good
parish to commence with. Friends will
direct all communications after March TO-
to Wilton Junction, la.
E. L. BRIGGS